In a series of new hires to broaden its influence, Mercury Public Affairs announced Thursday that attorney and Republican political adviser Mark Baker is joining its team.

Baker will serve in an “of counsel” role with Mercury, working with some of the firm’s clients in an effort to expand its presence in the Northwest.

“My understanding of the culture of the Rocky Mountain West is important,” Baker told CQ Roll Call.

Currently, Baker is managing partner of his Montana law firm and serves on the National Finance Committee for the National Republican Congressional Committee. He said he will remain on the committee and “raise critical resources for the 2014 cycle.”

The “of counsel” role is not new for Baker. He worked in the same capacity for Denny Miller Associates for 15 years. Mercury approached Baker around the time that Miller closed his office last year so, Baker said, “The transition worked out well from a timing perspective.”

Baker joins fellow Montanan and former Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg at the public affairs firm. Rehberg served in Congress for more than a decade and is now co-chairman of Mercury’s D.C. office.

Baker will remain in Montana, although he plans to spend one week per month in Washington, D.C.

“Mark is a critical addition to the firm,” said Mercury Partner Vin Weber in a statement, “with impressive experience in both national and Montana politics.”

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